Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'rug' depends on size, material, and use. The most common general term is ラグ, but traditional Japanese rugs have specific names. This guide covers how to refer to rugs in various contexts.
Referring to a typical rug used in modern homes, often placed on flooring for decoration or comfort.
The most common and versatile word for a rug, borrowed from English. Used for Western-style rugs of any size, often decorative.
I put a new rug in the living room.
This rug feels nice to the touch.
Traditionally refers to a carpet or large rug, often thicker and more formal. Can be used for rugs, but may imply a larger, room-filling piece.
Persian rugs are expensive.
Usually means wall-to-wall carpet, but can sometimes refer to a large rug. Less common for small decorative rugs.
Lay a carpet/rug on the floor.
Referring to a small rug used for specific purposes like wiping feet or in bathrooms.
Used for small mats or rugs with a specific function, such as bath mats, door mats, or exercise mats.
I washed the bath mat.
Put a mat at the entrance.
A general term for anything spread on the floor, including rugs, mats, and carpets. Can be used for small rugs but is less specific.
Referring to rugs used in traditional Japanese settings, such as tatami rooms or under kotatsu.
A thin woven rush mat, often used in summer or as a floor covering in traditional rooms. Not a plush rug, but a traditional floor mat.
I laid out a rush mat on the veranda and took a nap.
Even in traditional settings, ラグ is used for Western-style rugs placed on tatami.
A floor cushion, not a rug, but sometimes used as a small sitting mat. Only relevant if the 'rug' is used for sitting.
Describing a rug with a deep pile or fluffy texture.
Literally 'long-haired rug', used for shag rugs or any rug with a deep pile.
Shag rugs are hard to clean.
Direct loanword for 'shaggy rug', commonly understood.
I want a shag rug.
ラグ is the safest choice for a rug in modern contexts. 絨毯 often implies a larger, more formal carpet, sometimes handmade. カーペット usually means wall-to-wall carpeting, but can occasionally refer to a large rug. Use ラグ for most everyday rugs.
For traditional Japanese rush mats (goza) or tatami, use the specific terms. Calling them ラグ may sound odd or show cultural misunderstanding.
床に敷物を敷く。
Spread a rug/mat on the floor.
Put a rug on the tatami.
座布団を敷いて座る。
Sit on a cushion.